Unveiled: The enigmatic case of the apparently deceased hedgehog (revealed?)
In a recent turn of events, two hedgehogs were discovered motionless in broad daylight on a property in Hattingen, Germany. The author of the account, who had not found either hedgehog after the heavy downpour, was left wondering about their condition and the possible reasons for their unusual behavior.
The author placed a bowl of cat wet food near one of the hedgehogs, hoping to provide nourishment, but only found one hedgehog remaining the next morning. The mystery of the hedgehogs' condition seemed to be solved, as mentioned in a comment by Martina. Unfortunately, the second hedgehog was found again by a neighbor, lying motionless just a meter away.
When encountering such a situation, it is essential to understand the potential causes and survival chances for the affected animals. Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal creatures, and seeing them motionless in daylight can indicate illness or injury. Possible causes include illness or injury, exhaustion or hypothermia, stress or shock, parasites, or infestation.
In daylight, hedgehogs are more vulnerable to predators and harsh environmental conditions if they cannot move. If the motionlessness is caused by treatable illness (like flystrike) or mild shock, recovery is possible with timely intervention. However, without intervention, the chances diminish rapidly as they risk starvation, predation, and worsening health.
In this particular case, it remains unclear if the hedgehogs are sick or poisoned, and the author wonders how long they have been there. The author searched for a hedgehog rescue center but found none in Hattingen, with the nearest suitable addresses being in Dortmund, Mülheim, and Wuppertal.
When faced with motionless hedgehogs in broad daylight, the most prudent action is careful observation followed by professional help if needed. Observe without disturbing them, and avoid moving them unless necessary. Check for visible injuries or signs of flystrike, and contact a wildlife rescue or veterinarian for treatment. Keep them safe and warm if you must temporarily care for them while awaiting help.
It is essential to remember that improper feeding can do harm, so do not feed or give water without advice. In the absence of direct information about behavior caused by environmental factors or unusual natural causes, the most prudent action is careful observation followed by professional help if needed.
In the search for solutions, a call to Dortmund revealed that there are no contact persons available in the summer due to lack of demand. The author was advised by a woman to put a bowl with some cat wet food near the hedgehogs and observe their reaction.
The author found two hedgehogs lying motionless in the shade during late afternoon with a temperature of 27° and oppressive humidity. Both hedgehogs had their flanks slightly rising and falling, indicating they were still alive. The author is yet to comment on any interaction or reaction of the remaining hedgehog to the food.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and responding appropriately to unusual wildlife behavior. By taking the right steps, we can help improve the chances of survival for these vulnerable creatures.
The author, concerned about the unusual behavior of the motionless hedgehogs, considered the potential impact on their lifestyle, given the risk of predators and harsh conditions during the day. Aware of the home-and-garden environment, the author decided to place cat wet food near one of the hedgehogs, hoping it might attract and sustain them.
){kind=link}